Researching Character Education

Recently, I was fortunate enough to complete a research project and dissertation with the University of Birmingham, investigating storytelling and virtue acquisition. The study incorporated Year 6 students who were studying the novel Once by Maurice Gleitzman. This novel is about a young boy’s experience throughout World War II and, in particular, during the Holocaust. The students, whilst studying the text, were also engaged in a specific 5-week Character Education curriculum that highlighted the virtues of gratitude and compassion. Students were pre-tested before the curriculum and once again at the completion of the curriculum. Interestingly, the analysis of results found that there was a statistically significant change in the perceived virtues of gratitude and compassion from pre to post-test, with the change evident across both male and female students.

At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, our Character Education Framework is based around character being caught, taught and sought, and this study reinforces the notion that character can be taught to students and the virtuous behaviours that are taught within the classrooms can indeed be transformational. The model also follows a teaching approach where character is taught through information gathering, documentation, personal experience, practice, reflection, analysis and internalisation, allowing our students to develop wisdom.

This finding matters for how we think about the taught dimension of our framework. The curriculum did not simply expose students to virtuous ideas within the narrative; it gave them a structured process of engaging with those ideas through the stages of information gathering, documentation, personal experience, practice, reflection, analysis and internalisation. That the shift showed up specifically in gratitude and compassion, virtues that ask students to look outward and recognise what they have been given or what others are enduring, suggests that a text such as Once gives students genuine material to work through rather than abstract concepts to memorise. It is a reminder that when character is taught with the same rigour and intentionality we bring to any other discipline, it can be measured, and it can change how young people relate to the world and to each other.

Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education

‘Squishies’ at School

Bacchus Marsh Grammar recognises that some students benefit from fidget devices as part of a professionally recommended strategy for managing concentration, anxiety or sensory needs. Fidget devices may be used only when prescribed or recommended by an occupational therapist, psychologist or other suitably qualified health professional, and when prior permission has been granted by the relevant Head of Campus. They should not be brought to school simply as toys or without approval.

The school will not permit ‘Squishies’ to be used as fidget or stress-relief devices. Many of these products are unregulated, meaning their contents, construction and safety cannot always be reliably verified. If punctured or ruptured, they may release substances that create health, safety and cleaning concerns. We have also experienced recent incidents in which ‘Squishies’ have burst in classrooms, causing significant damage and disruption. We ask families to ensure that students do not bring these items to school and to work with Student Services should their child require the use of an approved fidget or sensory support.

Danielle Copeman – Deputy Principal: Head of Campus (Woodlea)
Andrew Pate – Deputy Principal: Head of Campus (Maddingley)

Literacy Week – a love of reading and Father’s Day celebrations

This week, we celebrated Literacy Week with a range of activities designed to highlight the joy and importance of reading. Exploring different genres, sharing stories and celebrating books helped remind us that reading opens doors to new ideas, experiences and imagination.

At school, we aim to nurture a lifelong love of reading in every child. Families play an important role in this journey too, whether it is reading together, talking about stories, visiting the library or simply sharing a favourite book. Together, we can inspire a love of reading that extends well beyond the classroom.

Our Literacy Week celebrations also provided an opportunity to recognise that literacy extends into the digital world. We encourage students to develop strong digital skills while learning how to use technology safely and responsibly. Families can support this by setting clear screen-time boundaries, exploring educational content together and talking about responsible device use.

It was also wonderful to celebrate Father’s Day and Special Person’s Day with our Junior School community. We hope all our fathers and special role models enjoyed the opportunity to spend quality time with their children and celebrate the special relationships they share. We recognise that these important role models may include fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, family friends and other significant people who provide encouragement, care and support in our children’s lives.

Thank you to all the families who joined us and helped make our celebrations so special.

Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Melanie Morton – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Maddingley)

Spotlight on Learning and Teaching in the Junior School – Vocabulary

Why Vocabulary Matters

Vocabulary is the collection of words we understand and use when we communicate. Having a strong vocabulary helps children understand what they hear, express their ideas clearly and make sense of what they read.

Children develop vocabulary through the conversations they have, the experiences they share and the books and texts they hear and read. While children naturally learn many words through everyday interactions, they also benefit from adults deliberately introducing and discussing new and interesting words.

A strong vocabulary supports children across all areas of learning. The more words children understand and can use, the better equipped they are to understand new ideas, communicate their thinking and comprehend increasingly complex texts when reading and writing.

Building Vocabulary at home

Parents and carers play an important role in helping children develop their vocabulary. Everyday conversations, reading and shared experiences provide wonderful opportunities for vocabulary development.

When introducing a new word, try to:

• Explain it: Give a simple, child friendly definition.
• Give an example: Connect the word to something your child knows or has experienced.
• Use it: Encourage your child to use the new word in their own sentence.
• Revisit it: Continue using the word in conversations over the following days and weeks.

Ways to support Vocabulary Development at home

Establish a regular home reading routine and read with your child each day. Reading a wide range of books and texts exposes children to new and interesting vocabulary.

• Encourage your child to reread familiar texts to build fluency and help new vocabulary become more familiar.
• Encourage your child to use new words in conversation. The more often children hear, say and use new vocabulary, the more confidently they will understand and use it themselves.
• Explore synonyms and antonyms. For example, discuss how enormous means very big and is the opposite of tiny.
• Explore prefixes, suffixes and base words to help your child understand how words are built and how their meanings can change. For example:

• happy → unhappy
• help → helpful → helpless
• care → careful → carefully

• Introduce a word of the day. Choose an interesting word from a book or everyday conversation, discuss its meaning and try to use it several times throughout the day.
• Encourage your child to notice interesting and unfamiliar words in everyday life on signs, menus, television programs, in conversations and when visiting new places.
• Most importantly, talk, talk, talk! Everyday conversations provide wonderful opportunities to introduce sophisticated vocabulary. Talk about what you are doing, what you see, how things work, and encourage your child to explain their ideas using increasingly precise and descriptive words.

Ashleigh Durham – Deputy Head of Junior School (Maddingley)

Aimee La Franchi – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Maddingley

Flying Bookworm comes to Prep

On Friday 28 August, our Prep and Prep Reception students were treated to a wonderful Flying Bookworm performance. The highly interactive storytelling experience brought some of our favourite traditional tales to life through drama, movement, music and plenty of audience participation.

Prep Reception enjoyed engaging performances of The Little Red Hen, Caps for Sale and The Little Engine That Could, while our Prep students were entertained by Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Ugly Duckling.

The students enthusiastically joined in with the performances, helping characters, responding to questions and becoming part of each story. It was wonderful to see their excitement and confidence as they used their voices, imaginations and actions to participate.

The experience provided a fantastic opportunity to further develop our students’ love of books and storytelling, while strengthening their understanding of characters, sequencing, narrative and expressive communication. Most importantly, the students had lots of fun bringing these much-loved stories to life!

Kylie McKerrow – Early Years Coordinator (Prep Reception – Year 2): Maddingley

Woodlea

Year 4 CERES Excursion

Year 4 students had a fantastic day at CERES Community Environment Park where they explored the theme of Towards Zero Waste, connecting closely with our English and Global Studies units on sustainability. Throughout the day, students participated in hands-on activities that helped them understand how small changes can make a big difference to our environment.

Students made their own recycled paper using paper scraps, searched for rubbish along Merri Creek using long-handled tongs and played Living Things Bingo, exploring the garden beds to find different living things. They even had the opportunity to hold worms and learn about their important role in breaking down food waste!

We also put our sustainability learning into action by bringing nude food to reduce the amount of rubbish we created. At CERES, students carefully sorted their food scraps into the correct bins; separating citrus and non-citrus waste so that the appropriate food scraps could be fed to the worms.

It was a wonderful day of learning, exploring and putting sustainability into practice. Most importantly, students learnt how we can all rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle to help move towards a zero-waste future.

Ashlee Taylor – Head of Year 4 (Woodlea)

Maddingley

Middle School Assembly – Celebrating Achievement

The Term 3 Week 6 Middle School Assembly provided an opportunity to recognise a range of student achievements across academic, sporting and co-curricular areas. From language competitions and science to School Colours and Compass Awards, students were recognised for their commitment, effort and contribution to the wider life of Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

A particular highlight was the success of BMG students in the 2026 Education Perfect Regional Languages Championship. The school placed 8th overall out of 259 schools and 4th overall in the Large School category. BMG also achieved strong results in individual languages, placing 4th overall in Japanese, including 1st in the Japanese Large School category.

Students from across the Middle School contributed to these results. Jett O (6B) and Sophie O (8C) received Bronze Awards, while Avyan M (6B), Jaideep S (6B) and Rnvir A (6A) received Credit Awards. Earlier recognition through the Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers Association also saw Navleen G (5B) and Mithila C (5F) achieve High Distinctions, with Rnvir A (6A) also receiving a High Distinction. Avyan M (6B) and Ivy P (7C) received Distinctions.

Academic achievement was also recognised through the Big Science Competition. Viraat B and Maneet Singh G received High Distinctions, while Aarav A, Avi I and Jaithra S were awarded Credits.

The assembly also recognised students who have made a sustained contribution to the school through co-curricular activities. Single School Colours, awarded for reaching 50 points, were presented to these students:

Samarth S (6A)

Gabriel L (6B)

Sophie D (6B)

Jed H (7A)

Aashritha T (7C)

Aarav A (8A)

Hailey B (8B)

Ansh V (8B)

Krish B (8E)

Ryan L (8F)

Four students reached the 100-point milestone and were awarded Double School Colours:

Avyan M (6B)

Lucy C (7C)

Saanvi G (7C)

Palakshi R (8C).

The Compass Awards also provided an opportunity to acknowledge students for demonstrating the values and expectations of the Middle School. Isabella G, Finn B, Alexander L, Layla C, Pippa W and James C received Level 1 awards, while Mannreet S received a Level 3 award.

These achievements reflect the broad range of opportunities available to Middle School students and the importance of students taking an active role in their learning and the wider school community.

Congratulations to all students recognised at this week’s assembly.

Scott Bayne – Assistant Principal: Head of Middle School (Maddingley)

Ivy Celebrates Success in Indonesian Poster Competition

Congratulations to Ivy P of Year 7 who was recently announced as a winner in the Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers Association (VILTA) Hari Kemerdekaan (Independence Day) Poster Competition.

This year’s competition attracted 65 entries from 17 schools across Victoria, with students creating posters inspired by the theme “Indonesia Raya”, celebrating Indonesia’s national identity, cultural heritage and diversity. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, making Ivy’s achievement even more impressive.

As part of her prize, Ivy was invited to attend the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) Flag-Raising Ceremony in Melbourne on 17 August, providing her with a unique opportunity to experience an important Indonesian cultural and national celebration firsthand.

We are incredibly proud of Ivy’s creativity, effort and enthusiasm for Indonesian language and culture. Her success is a wonderful example of the opportunities available to our students through language learning.

Selamat, Ivy! We congratulate you on this outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing your continued success in Indonesian.

Kayla Rideg – Teacher

Woodlea

Student Community Service

We are delighted to recognise the outstanding contribution of Yuvraj Singh W, Year 8 Student Leader, who recently volunteered his time and expertise to present at the Aintree Scouts group.

Invited to speak with a group of Joey Scouts, Yuvraj delivered an engaging presentation that showcased a game he had developed. His enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible way was well received, with Scout leaders reporting that the Joeys were thoroughly engaged throughout the session.

The impact of Yuvraj’s presentation extended well beyond the activity itself. The Aintree Scout Leaders reported the session broadened the group’s perspective and introduced new possibilities for future Scout activities. The Scouts were so impressed by Yuvraj’s work that they have expressed interest in inviting him back to help teach young members how to create their own simple games.

This experience highlights the positive influence our students can have when they share their knowledge and talents with the wider community. By volunteering his time and inspiring younger learners, Yuvraj demonstrated leadership, initiative and a genuine commitment to giving back. His willingness to use his skills to educate and encourage others is a wonderful example of the values we strive to foster at Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

Sarah Hunter – Deputy Principal: Deputy Head of Woodlea Campus and Head of Middle School Education

Pre VCE Physics Road to Zero Excursion

Pre VCE Physics students from Maddingley and Woodlea recently attended Melbourne Museum where they participated in the Road to Zero program examining the physics of motion, forces and road safety.

The excursion provided students with the opportunity to extend their classroom learning through a range of interactive exhibits and hands-on investigations focused on the science underpinning vehicle movement and passenger safety. Through real-world applications, students explored how forces and energy transfers affect vehicles and occupants during everyday travel and collision events.

By investigating the physics behind vehicle safety systems and crash dynamics, students developed a deeper understanding of how scientific principles are applied to minimise injury and improve outcomes for road users.

The museum’s exhibits encouraged students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical scenarios, reinforcing the relevance of physics in everyday life. From understanding braking distances and vehicle design, to examining the role of safety features such as seatbelts and airbags, students gained valuable insights into the critical relationship between science, engineering and public safety.

Sarah Thomson – Head of Science (Maddingley)

Maddingley

Model UN Participation

On Sunday 23 August, a group of Year 11 and 12 students headed to Melbourne Law School to take part in an Evatt Model United Nations conference.

It was a fantastic experience whereby we got to step into the shoes of delegates of nations around the world, negotiate new resolutions, and debate complex global issues. The day encouraged us to think on our feet, collaborate under pressure, and advocate for our positions with diplomacy.

We had a great time representing our school, and a big thank you to Ms Maharaj for all the training during enrichment, and for giving up her weekend to support us!

Congratulations to the following students for their participation and commitment:

Mari M

Samaira V

Kayura T

Sihan K

Jenuli H

Sharanya D

Manaat S

Tanisha Q

Karan S

Mayan S

Ansh G

Isaiah L

Tanya K

Astha P

Samaira V 11A

Woodlea

Thriving Together

On Friday 28 August, Year 11 Woodlea students came together for an energetic and enjoyable Tutor Group vs Tutor Group activity session. Students had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities including board games, trivia, penalty shoot-out and volleyball. The afternoon was filled with friendly competition, teamwork and plenty of encouragement as students challenged themselves and supported their peers.

The activities provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with classmates from across the Year 11 cohort, work collaboratively and build positive relationships outside their regular classroom routines. Whether students were testing their knowledge in trivia, demonstrating their skills on the volleyball court, aiming for goals in the penalty shoot-out, or working strategically in board games, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

It was wonderful to see students smiling, laughing and thriving together throughout the afternoon. The positive atmosphere, strong participation and supportive spirit on display made the event a real success. Year 11 students had an absolute ball, and the session was a great reminder of the importance of connection, teamwork and shared experiences within our school community.

Samantha Grant – Head of Year 11 (Woodlea)

Education Perfect Championships

Bacchus Marsh Grammar students from both Maddingley and Woodlea have once again achieved outstanding results in the Education Perfect Championships, competing across the Mathematics, English and Science competitions.

Earlier in the year, our students achieved an incredible result in the Mathematics Championships, finishing 3rd overall globally out of 1,447 schools, and 1st overall in Australia and Victoria.

This was followed by another fantastic result in the English Championships where our students continued to demonstrate their commitment and dedication and were crowned overall champions.

Across all three competitions, students have answered thousands of questions and dedicated significant time to developing their knowledge and skills. Their willingness to challenge themselves, both at school and at home, has contributed to some truly remarkable results.

The Mathematics, English and Science Championships have provided students with an opportunity to test themselves against students from schools across Australia and around the world, while also earning valuable points for their school and Houses.

A huge congratulations to every student who participated in the Education Perfect Championships. Your effort, persistence and willingness to keep learning have contributed to these fantastic results.

Congratulations to everyone involved in what has been an outstanding year of achievement in the Education Perfect Championships.

Nicholas Panczel – Chair of Houses (Woodlea) / Health and Safety Representative

Big Science Competition

We would like to acknowledge the students who participated in this year’s Big Science Competition. A total of 65 students from Maddingley and Woodlea Campus took part in the competition, choosing to challenge themselves with questions that tested their scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills.

We were pleased to see several students achieve very strong results, with many performing very well across the competition. We would like to recognise and congratulate all students who participated and thank them for representing the school.

Maddingley Students:

Armaan G, Ayansh G, Reyan H, Jessica N, Lazarus S, Samarjot A, Viraat B, Vicky F, Maneet G, Aarav A, Avi I, Meghana P, Jaithra S, Ayansh A, Aarash C, Aryan G, Palaash K, Paarth M, Aadi M, Rohan K, Tanuj N, Jisha N, William N, Vivaan O, Sreepaadh P, Aanya P, Sachee S, Vivaan S, Artharva S, Aaria P, Ishani P, Aarav V, Neil A, Aleena A, Lucy O and Uday S

Woodlea Students:

Antara B, Thanvi D, Ojusvee G, Cerunthini G, Aadhvik K, Aishnoor K, Hadi K, Keyan P, Vedant R, Aarya T, Sumishka B, Summer B, Gurpanth B, Shriyan D, Keenston G, Quinn H, Ritvik P, Shreyas T, Ruhaan B, Kosheen P, Aidan S, Thanvi V, Khushreet A, Maddie D, Keira K, Twisha M, Oscar N, Daiwik S and Ricky S

Sarah Thomson – Head of Faculty: Science (Maddingley)

Benjamin Northcott – Head of Faculty: Science (Woodlea)

2026 Subjects and Careers Expo

Earlier this term, Bacchus Marsh Grammar held its annual Subjects and Careers Expos at Maddingley and Woodlea campuses. The Expos spanned three focus areas for students and their families.

The Maddingley Expo

A buzz of excitement filled the air as students and their families gathered in the HIVE building for the event, eager to explore what lay ahead. Guests were warmly looked after throughout the evening with delicious drinks prepared and served by the school’s hospitality staff and students. Various performances from talented musicians filled the venue with energy and added a lively atmosphere to the night.

Throughout the event, students took the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with faculty staff and subject ambassadors, seeking guidance and advice as they prepared for subject selection. These conversations allowed students to ask questions, clarify options, and gain a clearer understanding of how different subjects could align with their interests and future pathways.

In between discussions with faculty staff and subject ambassadors, families and students showed great interest in the seminar sessions and stalls run by representatives from tertiary institutions and local workforces, taking the time to ask questions and explore the many pathways available beyond school. These conversations offered valuable insights into further study options, apprenticeships and career opportunities, and helped students and their families better understand the process involved in pursuing their next steps.

The Woodlea Expo

Walking into the Peng building, the students and their families were greeted by our hospitality students serving delicious mocktails. Our talented musicians were working tirelessly all night long to provide our live entertainment.

In the gymnasium, the Senior School team presented two information sessions to students and their families heading into Year 9 and Year 11 in 2027. These sessions outlined to families the expectations of students in our Senior School, as well guiding them through the VCE program, starting from double acceleration at Year 9, to a full VCE load from Year 11 to 12.

At the top of the Peng building, we had 35 exhibitor stalls set up. We had a variety of universities, RTOs, emergency services, private businesses and employment services, all providing students with an idea of what is out there.

Supporting the exhibition at the top of Peng Building were the seminars run by our exhibitors. Students were presented with valuable information at these seminars and opportunities to ask valuable follow-up questions.

And finally, students were greeted by BMG alumni. Our alumni spoke with students about their own schooling at BMG and their pathways after leaving school.

Both nights left students, families, and staff alike feeling informed, inspired and excited about what lies ahead. Thank you to everyone involved and to families in attendance – your effort and support made the evening a great success.

Student reflections

The Woodlea Careers and Subjects Expo was an invaluable opportunity to gain further information about tertiary studies opportunities available for students as they complete their secondary schooling. As a subject ambassador for Maths, I was able to provide information on subjects available to my younger peers as well as my experience studying them, giving them the resources needed to decide what to study. Furthermore, visiting the careers exhibitors upstairs gave me the knowledge to start thinking about pathways and potential career ideas post-university as it opened a world of opportunities for me. Overall, the night was extremely informative and helped many students feel more informed about their futures.

Alexis – Year 12 Woodlea Student

I enjoyed taking part in the annual BMG Careers and Subject Expo. Speaking to numerous parents and students provided me with a sense of fulfillment, and enabled me to pass down my knowledge of my chosen faculty to the next generation. I was further enlightened by the alumni who volunteered their time to talk to us. They were able to share their knowledge as a student at university or in their everyday work life to help us come to informed decisions about our chosen career path. All in all, I am grateful for BMG providing us the opportunity year after year to reassess our positions surrounding our career journey. It is certainly one of the highlights of the year, and I would encourage all our students to take advantage of this opportunity to support their research with real human experiences and connections.

Ori – Year 12 Maddingley Student

Subjects and Careers Teams

Team Colours Day

To celebrate the AFL and NRL Finals, along with the start of the AFLW and A-League seasons, Bacchus Marsh Grammar will send off Term 3 with a Team Colours Day!

Click here to view the full Schoolbox post.

Woodlea

Literacy Week: Celebrating a Symphony of Stories

What an incredible week it was across our School as we celebrated Literacy Week and the magic, imagination and joy that books bring to our lives! From Prep through to Year 12, our school community embraced the opportunity to celebrate reading, storytelling and the power of words, creating a wonderful atmosphere of curiosity, creativity and connection across the campus.

One of the most colourful highlights was seeing our entire school community dressed as characters from books and stories. Students and staff embraced the opportunity to bring their favourite characters to life, transforming the campus into a wonderful collection of superheroes, princesses, animals, adventurers, villains and much-loved literary characters. The creativity and enthusiasm were incredible to see, and the day was a wonderful reminder of the way stories can transport us to new worlds, spark our imaginations and stay with us throughout our lives.

In the Junior School, the celebrations continued with our Literacy Week Dress Up Parade. Our Prep to Year 4 students proudly paraded in their costumes, showcasing the characters and stories that had inspired them. There was an incredible sense of excitement as students shared their costumes with one another, celebrating not only their favourite books, but the joy that reading brings.

Literacy Week was about so much more than celebrating books. It was an opportunity to recognise the vital role literacy plays throughout a child’s education, from those very first picture books and phonics lessons in the early years, through to the rich vocabulary, complex ideas and sophisticated texts students encountered as they progressed through the school. Reading builds knowledge, develops language, strengthens communication and opens doors to endless possibilities. Most importantly, it creates memories that stay with us.

One of the most wonderful highlights of the week was our Peer Reading experience which brought students from across the entire campus together. Older students were paired with younger readers, creating meaningful opportunities to share stories, model fluent reading, build confidence and encourage one another. For our younger students, having an older student read with them was exciting and inspiring, while our older students embraced the opportunity to be positive role models, demonstrating confidence, patience and a genuine love of reading. These moments captured something truly special about our school community: literacy brought us together.

Across the campus, students also had the opportunity to meet authors, hear stories, explore books and discover new possibilities through a range of literacy experiences. Each activity encouraged students to see themselves as readers, writers, storytellers and lifelong learners, while celebrating the many different ways literacy enriches our lives.

From the youngest students discovering the joy of turning a page to our senior students confidently sharing stories with others, Literacy Week reminded us that reading is not simply a skill to be mastered. It is a passport to new worlds, a source of knowledge, a place to escape, a way to connect with others and, sometimes, the beginning of a lifelong love affair with books.

A very big thank you to our wonderful staff and the wider school community for making Literacy Week such a memorable celebration. Most of all, thank you to our students for embracing every opportunity, bringing the pages of their favourite stories to life and reminding us just how magical literacy can be.

Stay tuned for photos of Literacy Week on Schoolbox next week!

Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Melissa Dunat – Deputy Head of Middle School (Woodlea)

RUOK? Day, wear a yellow accessory!

Thursday 10 September is RUOK? Day, a day when we’re reminded to ask, “Are you ok?” and to remember that on every day of the year we can support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs. You can make a huge difference by reaching out and giving the message that you care.

At Bacchus Marsh Grammar, we know that regular, meaningful conversations can make a difference. You don’t have to be an expert to ask how someone is going, just a good friend and a good listener.

This year the RUOK? initiative continues to shine a light on the times we should be asking our friends and loved ones this important question. We want everyone in our school community to know that if something is up with someone you know, there’s something going on in their life, or you notice a change in what they’re doing or saying, it’s time to trust your instincts and ask them, “Are you OK?” To help people keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK, we encourage everyone to learn what to say after R U OK?

We continue to foster and facilitate activities that promote these supportive connections within our school community with students and staff from Prep right through to Year 12.

RUOK? is a national charity dedicated to inspiring all of us to have regular, meaningful conversations to support someone who may be struggling.

On RUOK? Day, we invite all staff and students from Prep to Year 12 to show their support by wearing yellow accessories (hair ribbons, hat, scarf, socks, scrunchie, headband etc) with either their full school uniform or their Sport uniform if they have PE/ Sport on this day. No coloured hairspray or face paint.

Click here to learn more about the signs and how to ask RUOK?

We look forward to seeing a sea of yellow in the School on Thursday 10 September.

Click here to read the Schoolbox post for more details on accessories.

Student Wellbeing Team

Maddingley

Addams Family Ticketing Information

Tickets for the Middle School Musical – The Addams Family Young@Part are on sale now from The Clocktower Centre Moonee Ponds website. Tickets can be purchased online using VISA or MasterCard.

Venue:

Clocktower Centre Moonee Ponds

Performance Dates:

Thursday 29 October 7.00pm

Friday 30 October 1.00pm and 7.00pm

Ticket Prices:

Adult – $16

Child (14 and under) – $10

Family of 4 (two adults and two children) – $40

Click here to purchase your tickets.

Students involved in the performance do not require a ticket.

High School Dance Competition

On Saturday 29 August, a team of Indian/Bollywood dancers travelled to Williamstown to compete in the High School Dance Competition (HSDC).

We were incredibly proud to represent Bacchus Marsh Grammar and showcase the vibrant energy and culture of Indian/Bollywood dance. After months of rehearsals, dedication and hard work, our 29 dancers took to the stage and delivered a performance full of energy, enthusiasm and confidence. Every dancer shone on stage, demonstrating the commitment, teamwork and passion they had developed throughout the preparation process.

It was an honour for our students to represent Bacchus Marsh Grammar and perform alongside 10 competing schools, including a school that travelled all the way from New Zealand. The standard of competition was exceptionally high, making our achievement even more special.

The months of hard work certainly paid off, with our team walking away with the People’s Choice Award. This was a fantastic achievement and a wonderful recognition of the connection our dancers made with the audience.

We were also thrilled to have so many family members and friends attend the competition to support our dancers. Many were amazed by the high standard of the competition and were incredibly impressed by the quality, energy and professionalism of our performance.

The HSDC was a fantastic experience for our students, providing them with the opportunity to perform, collaborate and represent our school with pride. It was wonderful to see their months of preparation come together on stage.

We are incredibly proud of all 29 dancers and the energy, dedication and passion they brought to their performance. Winning the People’s Choice Award was the perfect way to celebrate their hard work and made the experience one that our students, families and school community will remember with great pride. Congratulations to our dancers on an outstanding achievement!

Gauthami T and Manaswini V – Student Dancers

Maddingley

Individual Sporting Achievement

Silver for Emilia at Thailand Open

Emilia F of 8H has achieved an outstanding international result after representing Australia at the Open Karate Championship 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Held from 14 to 16 August at Kasetsart University, the major international tournament brought together competitors from 26 countries.

Emilia travelled to Bangkok as part of the Australian Karate Team and, whilst just 13 years old, stepped up to compete in the Cadet (Under 16’s) division for the first time.

Facing tough international opposition, Emilia won every one of her fights on the way to the final, where she faced a competitor from Thailand. Her impressive run through the competition earned her a place on the podium with a silver medal.

Competing above her age group and returning home with silver was a fantastic achievement for Emilia and one she should be very proud of. Congratulations Emilia!

John Barker – Teacher

BMPSSA Summer Sports

A total of 109 Year 5 and 6 students proudly represented Bacchus Marsh Grammar at the annual BMPSSA Summer Sports Day.

Throughout the day, students competed in basketball, cricket, Newcombe, tennis and ultimate frisbee, displaying outstanding skill, teamwork and sportsmanship. It was fantastic to see so many students embrace the opportunity to represent the school with pride.

Our Basketball teams enjoyed an outstanding day of competition, with both the Girls and Mixed teams claiming victory in their respective Divisions. This went on to securing two well-deserved Division Championships.

Cricket was another outstanding success, with both our Girls and Mixed teams claiming victory in their respective Divisions.

Both of our Mixed Newcombe teams enjoyed a highly competitive day. While neither team was able to claim the Division title, one side finished an impressive 2nd, missing out on first place by only one point.

Our Tennis teams delivered a dominant display throughout the day, with both the Girls and Mixed teams producing outstanding performances to win their respective Divisions.

Ultimate Frisbee made its debut as part of our Summer Sports program this year and it was fantastic to see our students embrace the opportunity to compete in a new sport. The day proved to be a great success, with our mixed team capping off the competition with an impressive Division victory. We must express our appreciation to the four Year 9 Elite Sport students who generously gave up their time to assist with refereeing throughout the competition.

At the conclusion of the day, BMG secured an outstanding 7 Division Championships from the 10 divisions contested. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work demonstrated by our students and staff throughout the Term 3 House Sport program.

Congratulations to all students who represented the school with such pride, enthusiasm and sportsmanship. A special congratulations to the teams who have qualified for, or have already competed in, the Western Ranges Division Finals. We wish all qualifying teams every success as they continue their representative journey.

Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to all staff and coaches whose efforts contributed to another memorable and highly successful BMPSSA Summer Sports Day. It was a fantastic celebration of school sport and an excellent reflection of the commitment and enthusiasm of our BMG community.

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

SSV State Netball Finals

We are delighted to announce that our Year 5/6 Girls Netball Team has qualified for this year’s School Sport Victoria (SSV) State Finals to be held at the Waverley Netball Centre on Wednesday 9 September.

This is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful reflection of the girls’ hard work, skill, teamwork and dedication throughout the past two terms.

We congratulate the following team on their success so far and wish them all the very best as they compete at the State Finals. The school is incredibly proud of their achievements, and we all look forward to seeing them represent BMG on the State stage.

• Chalie B
• Harsimar D
• Isabelle D
• Sophie D
• Annabelle G
• Cleo H
• Ariella K
• Alexandra L
• Lillah R
• Lilly T
• Isabelle W
• Darcie Y

Matt Harris – Head of Sport (Maddingley)

One Week to Go Until STEM Night!

National Tree Planting Week: Restoring the Landscape and Expanding Habitat

Students from Maddingley and Woodlea Campuses came together at Staughton Vale during National Tree Planting Week to revegetate the bottom of Grandma’s Gully, expanding wildlife corridors that follow the property’s natural waterways and connect nearby Brisbane Ranges National Park.

Supported by a Landcare Biodiversity Grant and Moorabool Landcare Facilitator Roger MacRaild, Year 10 Staughton Vale Ambassadors and enthusiastic Year 3 and 4, Prep and ELC students planted approximately 900 indigenous trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers.

The planting of native vegetation corridors connecting the National Park to the campus, creates valuable habitat for native flora and fauna, thereby increasing opportunities for native wildlife to thrive. As these planting areas mature, it is hoped they will contribute to an expanding network of habitat that enhances biodiversity across the region and improves the long-term ecological health of the landscape.

This year’s planting marked a significant milestone, with over 5,000 local native plants now established across Staughton Vale through annual planting programs.

In addition to planting, the Year 10 Staughton Vale Ambassadors built and installed nesting boxes in mature trees and several student-designed wildlife bridges. The bridges support more vulnerable species such as the Brushtail Phascogale to move safely from tree to tree across the campus.

Students also collected and germinated native seeds from around the property, helping to grow plants for future revegetation projects.

Planting days, ecological surveys and other horticultural activities are part of Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s ongoing commitment to educate students about the importance of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, while empowering them to become active custodians of the land and Global Citizens.

The Staughton Vale Campus provides a unique outdoor learning environment, offering students a wide range of challenging hands-on activities that expand their knowledge in areas such as food production, horticulture and sustainability, while connecting them to the natural environment. Students are immersed in rich learning experiences that support and enhance the curriculum at Maddingley and Woodlea.

Kimone Stacey-Missen – Educational Programs Coordinator: Staughton Vale

Woodlea

Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language Program

To support our students in the learning of Japanese, Woodlea has been host to Mina, a university student from Japan. She has been attending lessons from Year 5 to Year 12, to speak in Japanese with the students.

During her stay, Mina has been living with a host family who have been showing Mina some of the sights of Melbourne and the Western Region.

Here is a reflection from Amber S, a Year 9 Japanese student that Mina is staying with:

Having Mina stay with us has been an enjoyable and interesting experience, and it was exciting to show her what Australia is like and share some of our culture with her. Throughout her stay, we had a great time getting to know her, teaching her new English words, visiting different places and spending time together.

During the time that Mina has been staying with us, I also had the opportunity to learn a lot more about the Japanese language. At the beginning, there were some language barriers, so we often had to use Google Translate to help us communicate. As the days went on, Mina became more confident with understanding English words and phrases, which made conversations much easier. At the same time, I gained a better understanding of Japanese and why certain sentences are structured in particular ways. I especially enjoyed completing classwork and homework with Mina because she was always willing to help me and taught me different ways to say words and sentences.

Mina also joined some of my Japanese classes at school where she helped students practise speaking Japanese and improve their confidence. She visited classrooms across different year levels and spoke with students who were studying Japanese, giving them the opportunity to practise their conversational skills with a native Japanese speaker. Having her in our classes made learning Japanese more interesting and helped us improve our speaking skills.

During her time in Australia, we also took Mina to many different places to give her the best experience possible. We visited Ballarat Wildlife Park where we saw many different Australian animals. One of the highlights was seeing kangaroos roaming around the park and being able to feed them throughout the day. Mina also got to experience a koala encounter, where we were able to pat a koala. We stayed at Portarlington to experience the beach and explore the area. Although the weather was not very warm, Mina still had a great time walking around. We also took Mina to the Queen Victoria Market where she visited a lot of stores and had some doughnuts that she was looking forward to. She also enjoyed the seafood banquet that we cooked up.

Overall, hosting Mina was a memorable experience for both of us. We were able to learn more about each other’s cultures and languages while also creating many fun memories together. I really enjoyed spending time with her, having conversations in both English and Japanese, and showing her some of my favourite parts of Australia. I am glad I had the opportunity to host Mina, and it is an experience I can recommend.

Daniel Screen – Teacher/Timetabler (Woodlea)

Story Writing Competition Winners

Congratulations to the following students who have won the 2026 Annual BMG Story Writing Competition.

Students were challenged to write an original, authentic story with the prompt: ‘When Flowers Bloom at Midnight.’

All winners will be presented with a certificate and a QBD gift voucher.

Winners

• Siddartha R 2WA
• Thinuli H 3D
• Shaurya J 4D
• Miya S 5WB
• Prisha S 6WD
• Parini M 7WD
• Aria S 8D

Honourable Mentions

• Yashi S 2WA
• Livnoor C 4D
• Sohanska A 5A
• Rnvir A 6A
• Muzayna H 7G
• Devanshi N 8WF

Thank you to our Year 6 and Year 8 Literacy Leaders at both campuses who joined together for the judging of this competition.

Feona West – Teacher Librarian

Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee

Congratulations to all competitors who participated in the 2026 Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.

Campus Champions

Maddingley – Anna L 8B

Woodlea – Agam U 8WE

Year Level Winners

Maddingley:

Year 3 – Mukunth G

Year 4 – Lyla B

Year 5 – Myra G

Year 6 – Avyan M

Year 7 – Kanav Y

Year 8 – Anna L

Woodlea:

Year 3 – Mehtab S

Year 4 – Iqra S

Year 5 – Kanis P

Year 6 – Aarohan B

Year 7 – Ojusvee G

Year 8 – Agam U

Class Champions

Maddingley:

3A – Zara M

3B – Lana G

3C – Mukunth G

3D – Zoe J

3E – Joseph J

4A – Ashwin Rudra R

4B – Arnon P

4C – Lyla B

4D – Shaurya J

5A – Rehmat S

5B – Mya G

5C – Jonathan D

5D – Vivaan E

5E – Jisha S

5F – Vivaan V

6A – Arjun C

6B – Avyan M

6C – Olivia G

6D – Rishik J

7A – Kanav Y

7B – Abhay N

7C – Shreyansh B

7D – Amber P

7E – Prabhdeep S

7F – Jason L

7G – Manahil R

7H – Ayansh G

7I – Saicharan A

8A – Ruby G

8B – Anna L

8C – Ranit K

8D – Sanuja S

8E – Harnaaz B

8F – Tirtha C

8G – Rafan K

8H – Edgar T

8I – Max B

Woodlea:

3WA – Jaylene C

3WB – Kiaan K

3WC – Jaikrish G

3WD – Riva K

4WA – Aanya D

4WB – Ahyan M

4WC – Aadi O

4WD – Iqra S

5WA – Kanis P

5WB – Arjun A

5WC – Deetya G

5WD – Azura B

5WE – Arshnoor K

6WA – Jai D

6WB – Kara G

6WC – Avyaan K

6WD – Jonathon S

7WA – Japvir N

7WB – Aashvi K

7WC – Yahya R

7WD – Kavin K

7WE – Ojusvee G

7WF – Sai N

8WA – Dhruva P

8WB – Harseerat D

8WC – Yuvraj Singh W

8WD – Ritvik P

8WE – Agam U

8WF – Aneli P

Feona West – Teacher Librarian

Private Bus Travel 2027

All current students who travelled by private bus in 2026 have been rolled over to their current stop for 2027 private bus travel.

If your child/ren’s current bus travel arrangements are going to change (e.g. moving house or will not require private bus travel) for 2027, please contact the School Bus Services Administrator on 5366 4800 or email bus@bmg.vic.edu.au to discuss this change.  If your child/ren will not require a private bus service in 2027 and parents do not advise us, your child/ren will be allocated to a private bus and fees will apply.

Allocated Roll Call Stops

If you have changed your child/ren’s stop where they board or disembark as a permanent change and have not notified the school, please contact the School Bus Services Administrator on 5366 4800 or email bus@bmg.vic.edu.au.  This information needs to be up to date on roll call for emergency services and will assist in the planning for 2027 routes/timetables.

End of Term 3 Bus Departure Times

Students will finish Term 3 on Friday 18 September at 2.15pm.

Maddingley and Woodlea Private Buses

Departure 1 hour earlier then their scheduled times.

Maddingley Public and Country Buses

The following Public/Country Serviced will depart 30 minutes earlier then their scheduled times:

• Blackwood
• Ballan/Hallets Way
• Blakeville
• Camerons Rd
• Town Services
• Swans Road
• Holts Lane
• Hopetoun Park
• Eynesbury Public
• Kurungjang

The below Public Service will depart 1 hour earlier then it’s scheduled time:

• West Melton

Woodlea Rockbank Shuttle Service

Will depart at 2.25pm and 2.50pm to coincide with train timetables.

Year 12 Trial Exams

Year 12 trial exams are taking place on Monday 5 October 2026. Private bus services for both Maddingley and Woodlea will be available on this day for Year 12 students.

Leanne Robertson – School Bus Services Administrator

Respiratory Symptoms and Infections

There has recently been an increase in respiratory infections.  If your child has respiratory symptoms, please test them for COVID, RSV and Flu A and B.  These tests can be purchased from a pharmacy.

If your child is unwell with a respiratory infection, please follow the guidelines below:

Students should remain at home until they have been fever-free (below 37.5°C) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin.

Click here to read more information from the Department of Health.

National Asthma Week 1 – 7 September

Hay Fever Season is Approaching

October to December is hay fever season in Victoria. This means it may be time for regular antihistamine use every morning or every night before bed to provide good relief coverage for your child (and yourself) to help work on through the day.

Once symptoms arise, it is chasing symptom control which makes ‘getting through the day’ challenging. It is better to get control first with regular antihistamine use.

Thank you for your assistance in providing hay fever relief for your child to help them with their learning day.

Lynne Percy – School Nurse (RN Div 1)

New Noone Uniform Store

We are pleased to announce that as of Wednesday 2 September, the Bacchus Marsh Grammar uniform will be available to purchase from the new Melton Noone Store, along with online click and collect options.

Address

39 Bakery Square, Melton VIC 3337

Contact Details

Phone: 03 8764 2414

Email: melton@noone.com.au

Trading Hours

Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 5.00pm

Saturday: 9.00am to 1.00pm

Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed

Please note that the store will be closed for Grand Final Eve on Friday 25 September and will re-open on Saturday 26 September.

ICAS Update (Years 2 to 10): Certificates

Each student who participated in ICAS is recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.

The school will publish via Schoolbox when ICAS certificates have arrived (expected 10 to 13 weeks after assessments are completed). Arrangements will be made to send these home with students or by post.

Student’s ICAS certificate/s will show their results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”. Use these to enter the Results Portal.  The TAP ID and Pin from previous years can access 2026 results. Year 2 students will have to wait for the certificate details or contact ICAS directly to access the “TAP ID and Pin”.

Term Dates

2026 and 2027 Term Dates are published on the school’s website. 

Events Calendar

All upcoming events feature on the Schoolbox Calendar for both students and parents/guardians to view.

Uniform Shop

Uniform information and shop business hours for the Maddingley Campus Onsite Shop, Noone in Melton and Rushfords in Werribee are listed on the school’s website.

Please note that uniforms can also be purchased by clicking here

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) – The Y Ballarat

The Y Ballarat operates the Out of School Hours Care at Bacchus Marsh Grammar.  Enrolments are completed online. For full information please visit the School’s website.

Email: chrissie.ashmore@yballarat.org.au
Phone: 0490 178 638
Website: https://yballarat.org.au/

Regular Contacts

General School Email: school@bmg.vic.edu.au

Bacchus Marsh AFL School Holiday Program

Open to boys and girls aged 4 to 12, this one-day program is perfect for all skill levels and focuses on fun, games and developing footy skills. All-girls groups are available.

When: Thursday 24 September 2026
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Maddingley Park, Maddingley

Cost: $55 per participant

Click here to register for Auskick

Click here to register for Superkick

Bacchus Marsh Magic Basketball Club – New Player Expression of Interest

Bacchus Marsh Magic is getting ready for the summer basketball season, and we’d love to welcome new players from our local primary schools!

Magic has teams for girls and boys from U/8s to U/21s, and this year we’re especially excited to grow our girls’ program. If your child has ever wanted to give basketball a try, now is a great time to get involved.

Our club focuses on fun, teamwork, learning new skills and building confidence, perfect for beginners and experienced players alike.

To help us plan teams for next season, families are invited to complete our Expression of Interest form.

EOI Deadline: Monday, 7th September 2026

Click here to register!

We look forward to seeing lots of new faces, especially more girls keen to give basketball a go on the court this summer!

Werribee Little Athletics Trial Day